Imagine tender, boldly spiced meatballs glazed with harissa, nestled on a cloud of silky whipped feta and brightened with fresh lemon and herbs — that’s what you get with Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta. This dish is a striking centerpiece that’s as impressive as it is easy, perfectly balancing smoky heat, creamy tang, and Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re hosting a feast with friends or spicing up a weeknight dinner, these irresistible meatballs will have everyone swooning from the very first bite.

Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of kitchen staples transform into something extraordinary! Each ingredient in Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta plays a unique role, contributing flavor, moisture, and color for a plate that’s as delicious as it looks.

Ground beef or lamb: Adds rich, savory flavor and a tender base for your meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Keep things light and juicy by binding everything together.
Fresh parsley: Offers a burst of color and a fresh herby note that brightens each bite.
Egg: Acts as the ultimate glue, holding your meatballs firm yet tender.
Harissa paste: Provides a smoky, spicy kick that sets this dish apart.
Garlic: Two cloves minced for a deep, aromatic backbone.
Ground cumin: Infuses subtle warmth and earthy undertones.
Smoked paprika: Rounds out the spice blend with a hint of smokiness and color.
Salt & black pepper: The classic duo to balance and enhance every component.
Olive oil: Used for both cooking the meatballs and whipping up the feta for luscious texture.
Feta cheese: Crumbled for easy blending, transforms into a luxurious, salty-smooth spread.
Plain Greek yogurt: Makes the whipped feta extra creamy without overpowering the cheese.
Lemon juice: Lifts the whole dish with a pop of tangy brightness.
Water (as needed): Helps achieve that signature fluffy feta spread.
Fresh herbs & pita bread: Essential for the finishing touch and for scooping up every bit!

How to Make Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by grabbing your largest bowl and combine the ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, finely chopped parsley, egg, harissa paste, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until just combined — avoid overmixing so your meatballs stay soft and juicy.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Now comes the fun part! Scoop out a bit of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form 1-inch meatballs. Line them up on a plate or tray — this batch should make about 16 perfect little rounds (enough to serve four hungry people).

Step 3: Sear and Cook

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When hot, arrange the meatballs in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. Sear on all sides, turning occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until they’re deeply browned and cooked through. This is when the kitchen smells amazing and you know something special is happening!

Step 4: Whip Up the Feta

While the meatballs cook, tip your crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, a generous drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and a splash of water (start with 2 tablespoons) into a food processor. Blitz until smooth and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water at a time to hit that lovely whipped consistency.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

On your favorite serving platter, spread the whipped feta in a swooshy layer. Pile the warm harissa meatballs on top, shower with fresh herbs, and serve right away with plenty of warm pita bread for scooping. The result? A showstopping dish that’s worth every bit of the (minimal) effort.

How to Serve Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta

Garnishes

Finish your Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta with a flourish of vibrant fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of extra smoked paprika looks fabulous and adds an extra aromatic hit right before serving.

Side Dishes

This bold dish loves simple partners. Serve alongside a punchy tomato-cucumber salad, quick-pickled onions, or roasted vegetables. Of course, don’t forget heaps of fluffy pita bread — it’s practically required for scooping up every flavorful smear and crumb.

Creative Ways to Present

Try building individual bowls layered with whipped feta, a few harissa meatballs, greens, and crispy chickpeas for a modern Mediterranean twist. For parties, turn them into sliders with mini buns, or tuck everything into pita pockets for a grabbable lunchbox treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta keep beautifully in the fridge. Store the meatballs and whipped feta separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain their best texture and flavor.

Freezing

The cooked meatballs freeze like a dream! Lay them out on a sheet until solid, then transfer to a bag or container for up to 2 months. The whipped feta is best fresh, but you can also freeze it; just expect a change in texture after thawing.

Reheating

Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until hot through. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge first. Whipped feta fluffs up again with a quick stir or a blend in the processor.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken works great for a lighter take. You might want to add a little extra olive oil or some grated onion to keep things moist, since poultry tends to be leaner.

How spicy are Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta?

The spice comes mostly from the harissa paste, and you’re totally in control. If you love heat, add an extra spoonful; for milder palates, use a little less. Taste as you go and adjust until it’s just right for you.

Can I make the whipped feta without a food processor?

Yes, you can use a blender or even a hand mixer. If all else fails, mash the feta with a fork and stir in the yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice for a chunkier but still tasty result.

What kind of harissa paste should I use?

Both store-bought and homemade work perfectly. Look for jarred harissa in the international or Mediterranean section of your grocery store. They vary in heat, so taste-test before using to make sure it matches your spice comfort zone.

Are Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta gluten-free?

They’re gluten-friendly as written, especially if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve with gluten-free pita or veggies for dipping. Always double-check labels to be sure if gluten is a concern.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with dinner again, Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta will sweep you off your feet. It’s everything you want in a Mediterranean meal: hearty, vibrant, and packed with unforgettable flavor. Gather your favorite people, bring out the pita, and let this new classic steal the show!

Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta are a flavorful and satisfying dish with a touch of Mediterranean flair. The spicy kick of harissa paired with creamy whipped feta creates a perfect balance of flavors. Serve these meatballs as a main course with warm pita bread for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef or lamb
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 egg
2 tablespoons harissa paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Whipped Feta:

6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tablespoons water (as needed)

For Serving:

fresh herbs
pita bread

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, harissa paste, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Cook meatballs in olive oil in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
Make the Whipped Feta: Blend feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and water in a food processor until smooth.
Assemble: Spread whipped feta on a platter, top with meatballs, and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with warm pita bread.